By DUARDO PAZ-MARTINEZ
Special to The Tribune
BROWNSVILLE, TX - They say the poor play a different game along the Texas-Mexico border. Their way and manner is visible to all others, yet they persist in living as if no one can see what they are doing, can see that they insist on the worst path, can tell they do little other than imagine their own place in the world. That would seem to be the world of Blogger Juan Montoya.
Of late, he has sought entry into my world, as if he could ever muster the social graces needed to succeed in that environment. My feeling is that everyone has an orbit of travel. I cannot see that far down and Juan can only crane his neck so far. So be it. We rarely engage in battle with the crippled, so this will be short, although perhaps not our last venture into examining this individual.
The study began several weeks ago, when we questioned Montoya's "positioning" in a local election pitting his candidate (an advertiser on ElRrunRrun.com) Ernie Hernandez against lawyer Ruben Pena. We criticized Hernandez's record as a city commissioner and wondered about Juan's role. He ignored it, even though we suspected he was in a for-hire relationship that had him clearly attempting to expose Pena while giving Hernandez a free ride. Hernandez, we all know, has had his ups & downs in controversial politics. Juan Montoya knows of this perception, as do many in town. So, we thought: why is this reporter who covets a reputation for being for truth and honesty doing this? Well, it seems the only answer for that was this: Cash. Lana. Lettuce. Bolas. Greenbacks.
Nothing wrong with that, but a certain acknowledgement was needed. Juan needed to supply answers in order to maintain his "journalist" reputation.
This is what we believe needs to be asked (and we recognize that we have our detractors, so hold the fire):
1.) Exactly what was the agreement with candidate Ernie Hernandez? Did it include your promise not to broach subjects detrimental to Hernandez's campaign? Was going after Ruben Pena part of the deal?
2.) Would you explain your relationship with local would-be Mayor Robert Sanchez? Was it similar to the one you offered Hernandez. Word on the streets said you wrote for Sanchez's Blog in exchange for food from his seafood restaurant. Was that it?
3.) How many other campaigns have you done this for? You mentioned one involving The Lion of Southmost - Lucino Rosenbaum. Are there more?
4.) Were you the editor of a newspaper funded by former Sheriff Conrado Cantu, a man disgraced and later sent to prison? Does the name of the publication - The Cameron Post - ring a bell? Explain that relationship.
5.) Finally, is it true you use computers at the city library. In that you make money off your Blog, do you think it honest to be using taxpayer equipment for your financial benefit?
6.) Do you have a job? Is the Blog (free, by the way) your only source of income? What year did you last work as a reporter, and for which newspaper?
Thank you, Mssr. Montoya. We appreciate your answers. That is all our readers wish to know at this time...
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